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Friday, October 17, 2008 9:27 PM CDT
OUR VIEW: There's plenty to celebrate at EIU
By the JG/T-C Editorial Board
editorial@jg-tc.com
Homecomings have changed over the years but they are still worth celebrating, whether it’s at the university or high school level.
When originally conceived, homecoming was the time alums would return to see former teachers and see how the school and campus had changed.
While some alums do return for homecoming, the event has evolved into more of an annual celebration of the institution.
However homecoming is observed, it is an opportunity to reflect on the past and prepare for the future.
Eastern Illinois University marked its homecoming this weekend with all the festivities.
In addition to the parade with floats, bands and dignitaries, EIU’s homecoming in recent years has added an outdoor pancake breakfast in the area where the parade begins and a running race on the same route as the parade.
The parade featured Bill Hill of Charleston as grand marshal. Hill is a retired superintendent of Charleston schools who returned on an interim basis while the district searched for a new superintendent.
This year’s homecoming included a couple of “family night” activities, such as a movie and games, while the Jesse White Tumblers helped entertain at the Friday night pep rally.
A blood drive and raising funds for nets to protect children in Africa from malaria also provided an opportunity for service.
Another special feature of homecoming is the selection of distinguished alumni. Each year, the EIU Alumni Association honors several graduates.
This year’s Distinguished Alumni Awards went to alumni who include the mayor of a growing Chicago suburb, an Allstate Insurance executive, a Louisiana State University plant pathologist, a Pulitzer Prize-winning Chicago Tribune reporter, a University of Illinois administrator and a business executive.
In addition, special awards went to four others, including three with local connections.
Anthony Pleasant, a vice president of Coles Together, was named Outstanding Young Alumnus; Jim Erdmann of Charleston received the Louis V. Hencken Alumni Service Award; and Dorothy Bennett of Charleston was one of two recipients of the Distinguished Educator Award.
There is a lot to celebrate at EIU and at homecoming.
The university is No. 1 in the state among universities at producing students who earn doctorates. EIU still is listed in the top tier in the country among universities granting master’s degrees in U.S. News & World Report’s annual rankings.
There was plenty for alums and area residents to celebrate this year at the EIU homecoming.
— JG/T-C Editorial Board
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ChattyGal wrote on Oct 21, 2008 11:12 AM: